Guiding conceptual questions for the week:

How are social values established and transmitted over time?
To what extent do different (i.e. separate) cultures exist? To what extent do different cultures share values and beliefs?
To what extent can we regard 'teenagers' as a category of people who have a shared culture? To the extent that teenagers do have a shared culture, what values do they share?

MONDAY 9/19

1. Opening discussion:

The 16^th/17^th century philosopher Rene Descartes famously wrote cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am). Today, in an era of social media and selfies, our sense of self may have shifted from Descartes’ proposition – I think, therefore I am – to ‘I am what I think others think I am.” Is this a reasonable assertion to make? Why? Why not?

2. Survey using the Likert scale:

- extremely important
- important
- moderately important
- not that important
- not at all important

3. Discuss the following assertions and prepare small group responses:

Teenagers today are the most self-absorbed generation ever. They are interested in themselves and their own lives, but are much less interested in other people.
The role of social media in social life is a major factor contributing to self-absorption and narcissistic tendencies amongst today’s teenagers.

Assignment - BY TOMORROW'S CLASS: Interview 5 GenZ people using the Likert scale (see above) and report their responses. Remember to keep your interviewees anonymous. Due tomorrow.

1. 1. 1. How important is finding purpose and meaning in life for you?
    2. How important is making a contribution to society for you?
    3. How important is having lots of money for you?

4. "Specialist" Groups - collaboration, discussion, share out:

TUESDAY 9/20

1. Discuss implications of survey results. What was interesting? What was surprising? What can be concluded? Discuss the research process as a class:

- What went well?
- What went less well?
- What do the results suggest about your generation and their values?

2. Guiding question: Is a selfie a work of art? What is the basis for your claim? A person can vigorously defend his/her/their assertion that it is art. Is it art?

3. Discuss selfies and artwork using this presentation.

Assignment (due Friday): Selfies and Culture

Trial preparation: Kim Kardashian has been charged, through the intentional promulgation and proliferation of her selfies with contributing to the gratuitous and ongoing objectification of women, and exploitation of her audience. Participation points awarded for contributions and planning.

WEDNESDAY 9/21

Trial of Kim Kardashian.

Class will be divided into 3 teams:

Prosecution

Defense

Judge/Jury

Assignment (due Friday): Selfies and Culture

THURSDAY 9/22

Benchmark Writing Assessment (finally) - 10 points in the ASSESSMENT for an honest effort.

FRIDAY 9/23

Review Benchmarks - identify areas of improvement.

Assignment (due today): Selfies and Culture